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“You’re just saying that because Aleks isn’t back yet.” Mirdza leans her head against Grigoriy’s chest.

Even after Aleks comes back, we can’t decipher much more from Baba Yaga’s visit, sadly. We go round and round, not figuring out much more, hammering out our plan for the race, prepping Quicksilver, and pacing his runs to make sure they’re not outrageously fast.

And then it’s finally time.

Alexei isn’t too keen on going to stay at the racetrack for several days.

“I told you,” I say. “I’m going to be staying at a hotel next to it, and I’ll spend all day with you. You won’t be stuck in a box all day.”

“That’s some dedication,” Kris says as she helps me hook up the trailer. “You know, when I was riding Aleksandr, I often slept in the stall with him. I said it was to keep an eye on him, but it was really because I wanted to be with him all the time.”

Alexei’s smiling now. Probably thinks it’s some big joke.

“Stop,” I say. “He’s doing me a favor, so the least I can do is stay close to keep an eye on things.”

“Sure,” Kris says. “That, too.” But she’s smirking when Alexei shifts, and she’s smiling a self-satisfied smile that really irritates me as she watches us drive away.

When we pull up at the race track, I expect Lukas to be waiting for us. I do not expect my Russian friend Gavriil to be standing beside him.

“How on earth did you get that beast out of Russia?” He looks utterly shocked. “I could have sworn he just disappeared.”

“Russia, huh?” Lukas whistles. “I had no idea there were such epic horses there. I may need to book a trip.”

“Not like this one,” I say. “He’s a rarity in Russia, too.”

“Is he calmer now?” Gavriil eyes the stallion through the window of the trailer.

I wish I could say he was, but I have a feeling Quicksilver’s going to be just as naughty. “He’s good for me.”

“He always was.” Gavriil frowns.

“What are you doing here, anyway?” I ask.

“If you’re alright,” Lukas says, “I’ll circle back for the workout tomorrow.”

I wave him off, half wishing that Gavriil would leave with him. I’m not sure what to expect from Quicksilver when I unload, but there’s no way to put it off. I finally unclip him through the window, whispering, “Please behave. I’ll get rid of him as fast as I can, alright?”

Quicksilver stomps.

I hope that means yes.

I drop the back gate, undo the butt bar, and make a clicking sound to get him to back out. He’s calm and slow, and he stops right in front of me, thankfully.

“Wow, he is better,” Gavriil says. “But let’s talk about why I’m here over lunch. You can drop him off and—”

Quicksilver tosses his head, snapping at Gavriil.

“I usually stay with him for a while after I move him somewhere new. He’s a little. . .temperamental.”

“I can see that.” Gavriil sighs. “I’ve got plenty of time. I’ll wait with you.”

And he does, sticking to me like white on rice. At least Quicksilver doesn’t actually bite him again. Pinned ears, snapping motions, but no teeth in flesh. Part of that is because Gavriil’s so fast about moving away.

“He really seems to hate me.” His usually kind eyes are wary. “Horses usually like me. I can’t figure it out.” He shakes his finger. “I saved you, you idiot.”

Quicksilver doesn’t seem to care, but he does let me lead him into his stall. “I’ll just hang out here.” I drag a step stool over and sit down.

Gavriil moves a little farther away, but he also brings a stool and sits. “Well, this isn’t exactly the atmosphere I was hoping for, but I guess it’ll have to do.”